Australia Population - Remarkable Growth

Australia population is on a strong growth path, as new figures hit the media.

Every five years the Government looks at population trends and estimates how they will impact the economy of the country and its growth. The Intergenerational Report captures the information.

Based on Commonwealth of Australia data published in the 2015 Integenerational Report, Australia population will continue to grow and change over the next 40 years.

It is expected to reach 39.7 million people by 2055, which is 66% more than the current 23.9 million. And a tad slower increase than during the last 40 years (between 1975 to 2015).

This is an amazing growth for an industrialised country. By comparison, as projected by the United Nations, the number of inhabitants will increase:

by 26% in US

by 28% in India

by -4% in China (negative growth)

In 2055, there will be an additional 2.4 billion people living around the globe, which is 33% more than in 2015. Half of the 66% growth in Australia.

We will also live longer and have one of the longest life expectancy in the world.

The number of Australians older than 65 is expected to double.

Two million of the almost forty million in 2055 will be over 85 years old.

Around 40,000 people are estimated to be over 100 years old 40 years from now.

Compare that with just 122 centenarians 40 years ago!

And there will be fewer people of working age for every person aged over 65. The proportion will decrease from 4.5 to 2.7 by 2055. So potentially every third person will be a retiree.

Another interesting trend is more women joining the work force. 40 years ago less than half of women had a job, today about two thirds earn an income and in 2055 the ratio of working age Australian women being employed will grow to 70%.

There are various opinions out there about the population of Australia and its trends. Some say growth is not sustainable as it generates increased wastage and contributes to climate change. Others think that this growth has helped Australia stay away from the recession.

All this growth which is partly based on overseas migration is fantastic news for anyone wanting to start a new life in Australia It is a proof the lifestyle down under is a strong attraction for many people around the world.